Food Depository honors eight food pantries for standards of excellence

The Greater Chicago Food Depository and its Pantry University program have honored seven member food pantries with the food bank’s third annual awards that recognize standards of excellence among emergency food providers in the community. Quality Performance Awards were given to the standout food pantries at the Food Depository’s annual conference for its member soup kitchens, food pantries and shelters on Oct. 19.

Quality Performance Award honorees included:

 Holy Cross IHM
 Common Pantry
 Chicago Lights Elam Davies Social Services Center
 Alicia’s House
 The Pantry of Rich Township
 Lakeview Pantry
 St. Liborious
 Northfield Township Pantry

To receive the award, the food pantries underwent a rigorous evaluation process. Standards for excellence among food pantries were developed and validated for the award with the help of 30 expert pantry program operators. A team of judges evaluated food pantries based on the established standards, conducted site visits and scored the applicants. Five key areas for judging included categories for: financial, processes, staff and volunteers, clients and community.

“These pantries are being honored for their dedication to the people and communities they serve,” said DonElla Bradford, director of Pantry University.  “The Food Depository could not do what it does without its member agencies. Those being recognized strive for excellence in everything they do to serve people in need.”

Other awards presented on Oct. 19 include:

Most Innovative Agency: Common Pantry
Best Volunteer Program: Chosen Tabernacle FGB Church
Best Nutrition Program: Deborah's Place
Best Outreach Efforts: Alicia's House
Best Network Efforts: Northside Anti-Hunger Network
Outstanding Agency Award: Lakeview Pantry and St. Columbanus Pantry

More than 200 representatives from the Food Depository’s member hunger-relief programs attended the conference, which was entitled “Addressing Clients’ Need” and held at the food bank on Chicago’s Southwest Side. Amina Dickerson, senior director, global corporate contributions, Kraft Foods, delivered the keynote address. The event featured a special presentation for Ald. Edward M. Burke, who helped the Food Depository by introducing an ordinance that clarifies the enforcement of city code for Kids Cafes, food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters. Also recognized was Ollice Holden, Midwest Regional Administrator for the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. Holden helped formulate a new policy for member agencies that allows them to request documentation from clients so that they can better serve their local communities.